Kayaking at Pelican Point from Swakopmund: Vast seal colony

Seals swim around your kayak at Pelican Point.

Kayaking at Pelican Point from Swakopmund is a four-hour activity where you paddle among a colony of 50,000 seals in the bay, with hotel pickup from Swakopmund or Walvis Bay, a guide, modern unsinkable kayaks, life jackets, light lunch and drinks included. No previous kayaking experience is required. The minimum group size is two participants. German-speaking guides are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The experience

The route starts with a drive through the Swakopmund coast to Walvis Bay, stopping at the lagoon to watch flamingos, pelicans and terns. You pass the pink salt lakes of the salt mine, learning how it operates, then head north toward Pelican Point and its lighthouse. Once at the bay, you unload the kayaks and paddle out into the water where the seals are. The guides coach you on kayak handling before you launch, and the kayaks themselves are new, modern and unsinkable: designed so they don't capsize.

The seals swim around the kayaks while you're on the water, which is the core of the experience. After paddling, you get cool drinks and sandwiches on the beach. Everyone helps load the kayaks back into the vehicle for the return to Swakopmund. The whole activity runs four hours from pickup to drop-off.

Bring spare clothes because you can get wet while kayaking. Hotel pickup is free from anywhere in Swakopmund or along the coast to Walvis Bay, and the air-conditioned vehicle is included. If your group is larger than six people, ask about group discounts. Cruise ship passengers should note that pickup starts an hour after docking, and the tour departs no later than an hour and a half after pickup time.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Swakopmund or Walvis Bay in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• modern unsinkable kayak and life jacket for each paddler.
• guide instruction and coaching on kayak handling.
• light lunch and cool drinks served on the beach.
• return transport to your accommodation.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 85 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Desert Dunes and Dust Tours

Is this one for you?The four-hour paddle is moderate in effort. You're on the water for the active portion, and the seals are the draw, not a long-distance crossing. Bring spare clothes since splashing is part of kayaking, and come with at least a moderate fitness level. The minimum group size is two participants.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What do I actually do on the water at Pelican Point?

You paddle a kayak into the bay where the seal colony lives, and the seals swim around your kayak while you're on the water. The guides coach you on how to handle the kayak before you launch, and they stay with the group throughout.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No previous experience is required. The kayaks are modern, unsinkable and designed not to capsize, and everyone gets a life jacket. The guide will coach you on kayak use before you paddle out.

What birds and wildlife will I see besides the seals?

The route stops at the lagoon where you can see flamingos, pelicans and terns. On the drive, you also pass the pink salt lakes of the salt mine and learn how it operates before reaching Pelican Point.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup from Swakopmund or Walvis Bay, the air-conditioned vehicle, modern kayaks, life jackets, guide instruction, light lunch and drinks are all included.

What should I bring or wear?

Bring a spare set of clothes because you can get wet while kayaking. A life jacket is provided, and the guide will advise on what else to bring for the four-hour activity.

Can I book this if I'm traveling with a cruise ship?

Yes, but pickup starts an hour after your ship docks. The tour departs no later than an hour and a half after the pickup time, so late arrivals are considered a no-show.